Fellowship Program

AUPO Accredited Fellowship Program

The two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship program at RVT was established in 1997 with faculty who value teaching and training future vitreoretinal surgeons. The fellowship program is currently certified by The Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) and affiliated with the Houston Methodist Hospital, Blanton Eye Institute, and Weill Cornell School of Medicine.

The fellowship program is currently under the direction of Drs. Prethy Rao, MD MPH and Eric Holz, MD who completed their training at Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI and University of Oklahoma’s Dean A. McGee Eye Institute. Although we are a private practice fellowship, there is a strong academic concentration with weekly conference/lecture series. One fellow is selected every year through a competitive selection process and receives a comprehensive clinical and surgical training in the diagnosis and management of medical and surgical disorders of the retina and vitreous. During the two-year surgical retina fellowship, fellows work closely with each of the faculty members of RVT. Each physician has a diverse background of training that contributes to the unique fellowship experience. Including Drs. Rao and Holz they train with Drs. Joseph Khawly, Hassan Rahman, Emmanuel Chang, and Jonathan Tzu who completed their training at the Duke University Eye Center, Emory University Eye Center, Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute respectively.

The fellow participates in surgery and clinical decision-making from the beginning of their fellowship. In addition to acquiring a strong clinical and surgical understanding of vitreoretinal diseases, important aspects of the practice and business of medicine are also developed. They also participate in ongoing clinical trials and have an opportunity to do basic clinical research of their own if interested. There is repeated exposure to a variety of surgical techniques such as scleral buckles, vitrectomy, complex membrane dissections in addition to adult and pediatric retina during the fellows’ two year experience. The curriculum is divided into alternating 3-month blocks in which fellows work closely with each of the faculty members of RVT both in the operating room and clinic. A weekly retina conference provides an opportunity for the faculty to discuss interesting cases, medical and surgical retinal disease management, surgical techniques, and current literature with the fellows. Clinical research and attendance at national meetings are encouraged during the two years. Basic science research is also available to fellows who are interested with Dr. Emmanuel Chang, MD PhD in collaboration with Rice University.

Please visit www.sfmatch.org to apply through the Central Application Service. For more information about the fellowship program at RVT, please contact Anita Austin at 713.799.9975 or by email at AnitaA@retinatexas.com.

Current Fellows

Matthew Wilde, MD
Brandon Fram, MD

W. Riley Stroman, MD (2023): Horizon Eye Care – Charlotte, North Carolina
Gavin Reed, MD (2022): Retina Specialists of North Alabama – Huntsville, Alabama
Daniel Salisbury, MD (2021): Retina Consultants of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana
Daniel Gealy, MD (2020): Retina Specialists of Idaho – Boise, Idaho

Abdualrahman Hamad, MD (2019): Henry Ford Health System – Detroit, Michigan
Jonathan Perkins, MD (2018): Private Practice – Lake Charles, Louisiana
Kim-Binh Mai, MD (2017): Private Practice – Fort Worth, Texas
Alan Hromas, MD (2016): Tulsa Retina Consultants – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jessica Randolph, MD (2015): VCU Health – Richmond, VA
Alla Goldberg (Kukuyev), MD (2014): Thomas Eye Group – Atlanta, GA
Rahul Mandiga, MD (2013): Retina Institute of Washington – Renton, Washington
Bartlett Hayes, MD (2012): Wake Forest Baptist Health – Winston – Salem, North Carolina
Ajey Alurkar, MD (2011): Omni Eye Services – Atlanta, Georgia
Jeremy Aikey, DO (2010): Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons – Hatboro, Pennsylvania

Ivan Castillo, MD (2009): Texas Retina Associates – Waco, TX
Nick Mayfield, MD (2008): West Georgia Eye Care Center – Columbus, Georgia
Sara Holy, MD (2007): Retina Consultants of San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas
Moises Chica, MD (2006): Retina Consultants of San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas
Brian Hajovsky, MD (2005): Ophthalmology Associates – Fort Worth, Texas
James Lawler, MD (2004): Private Practice – Des Moines, Iowa
Mark Tafoya, MD (2002): Pacific Retina Care – Waipahu, Hawaii
Vincent Vann, MD (2000): RGV Retina Specialists – Edinburg, Texas

Stephen Saxe, MD (1999): Southwest Eyecare – Albuquerque, New Mexico